WSPA receives member society prize
© WSPA, Andrés Duarte
WSPA has been awarded ‘Defenzoor of the Year’, a prominent annual prize given to an animal welfare or animal protection organisation making a significant contribution to animal welfare in Latin America.
The prize-giver is Colombian member society Defenzoores, supported by the respected University of Antioquia and the Secretary of Environment of Medellín.
While the prize was initially granted only to national groups, in 2008 its scope was widened in order to recognise the important work being carried out by international organisations in Latin America, either by running hands-on animal welfare programmes or helping local groups to improve animals’ quality of life in a more effective manner.
Member societies are honoured
In the past, two WSPA member societies have won this prize. The 2006 winner, Fundación UNAU, is an organisation devoted to the protection of Colombian wildlife, especially sloths – the frequent victims of illegal trade. In 2007, Sociedad Protectora de Animales de Medellín was rewarded for protecting animals locally for over 90 years.
This year, people from around Latin America – especially from Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia – were encouraged to nominate organisations for the prize through Defenzoores’ website. WSPA is incredibly proud that they decided the prize should be granted to our South American office.
Recognition of support
© WSPA - Andrés Duarte
Defenzoores’ Mauricio Gómez said: “This is in recognition of the support given by WSPA to many organisations in Latin America, helping them move towards the professionalisation of animal protection work. This is a sign of our gratitude – WSPA is helping us to be of more service to animals in need.”
Over 100 people from different backgrounds attended this year’s ceremony to see Luis Carlos Sarmiento, WSPA regional director for South America, receive the prize, a statuette representing the link between humans and animals.
“We are so happy to be granted the prize and even happier because people have got together and talked about this. We are a strong international alliance for animals and will continue to change the life of many animals by helping local groups to be the voice of the voiceless,” said Luis Carlos.
After the event, the work continues …
At the closing of the prize giving, the attendees celebrated the progress being made for animal welfare with vegetarian snacks and dancing.
But animal advocates don’t stop for long! Following the ceremony, the local council unanimously supported the development of a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare by the United Nations, showing its commitment to making the world a better place for animals.
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